ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Siemens Drilling and Marine, Dresser-Rand—A Siemens Business (D-R), and Lloyd’s Register (LR) announced a best of industry team to make LNG widely available to ship owners seeking to use natural gas as a propulsion fuel, meeting tough Sulfur (SOx) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emission-reduction requirements – whether regionally or globally.

By providing an end-to-end solution encompassing the entire supply chain from natural gas procurement to liquefaction and delivery of LNG to new-building or retrofitting, the collaboration will remove obstacles that can hold back wide-spread adoption of natural gas as the marine fuel of choice.

According to Lloyd’s Register, there are approximately 40-50 LNG-fueled vessels globally, but strong growth is predicted. Much of this proposed growth is driven by increased emissions regulations, including stringent EPA compliance requirements for marine customers operating across the North American Emissions Control Area.

David Grucza, Siemens Drilling and Marine, explains, “In putting together this team of leaders in the marine and LNG space, our integrated solution, encompassing the entire supply chain of LNG including gas-fueled marine propulsion systems, will remove the chicken-and-egg hurdle from the LNG-equation. This is a disruptive concept for the maritime industry, and the technology exists for immediate adoption. This joint solution is not limited geographically, and we stand ready to support the marine industry globally, although our initial focus is on deploying U.S. shale gas.”

The initial end-to-end solution offered to the North American inland and coastal waterways community comprises the following elements designed and engineered by leading naval engineering firms Waller Marine Inc. (WMI) and The Shearer Group Inc. (TSGI), respectively, and will be constructed by Conrad Industries shipyard in Texas:

Land-based and/or floating, LNGo™-liquefaction barge;

LNG bunkering barge (C-Type tanks with up to 2,500 m3 capacity); and

4,200 or higher horsepower river Pushboat.

“Together, the team brings a holistic answer to the LNG marine fuel question of what comes first – the bunkering station or the engine?” says David Waller, President, Waller Marine, Inc. “The innovative solution to this industry hurdle includes the entire supply chain from liquefaction, LNG bunkering and design, all while meeting EPA and USCG compliance and providing smart, sustainable, lower greenhouse gas alternative fuels to operators.”

“Lloyd’s Register is well placed to support a new fleet of gas-fueled ships – and help them to operate safely and efficiently. Our expertise and leadership in gas technology and operations – from gas carriers to LNG bunkering and gas as a marine fuel – helps lead to the best decisions based on the best, independent, technical insight,” said Mark Darley, Americas Regional Marine Manager and President of Lloyd’s Register North America (LRNA). Lloyd’s Register has established clear standards describing different levels of readiness to use natural gas as a marine fuel. Lloyd’s Register also provides training on the key practical aspects of modern LNG carriage by sea and risk management services to support safe LNG bunkering.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of gas and steam turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2015, which ended on September 30, 2015, Siemens generated revenue of €75.6 billion and net income of €7.4 billion. At the end of September 2015, the company had around 348,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Dresser-Rand, A Siemens Business, is among the largest suppliers of rotating equipment solutions to the worldwide oil, gas, petrochemical, and process industries. The Company operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Norway, Brazil, and India and maintains a network of 48 service and support centers (including 6 engineering and R&D centers) covering more than 150 countries. For more information visit: http://www.dresser-rand.com/.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is the leading classification society in the gas carrier market – both for LNG and LPG – and is also leading the way in the international development of gas as a marine fuel. LR is pleased to help support the development of safe gas shipping and gas infrastructure for bunkering. LR’s leadership in the classification of LNG carriers is now translating into the growth in the use of LNG as a fuel, the expansion in LPG trades and the opportunities to support the turn-around of the United States from gas importer to next exporter. LR’s exceptional performance in the United States Coast Guard metrics for ship safety performance, from port state control inspections, is an important indicator of dedication to supporting safe ship operations. Our compliance, risk and technical consultancy services give clients confidence that their assets and businesses are safe, sustainable and dependable. Through our global technology centers and research network, LR is at the forefront of understanding the application of new science and technology to future-proof our clients’ businesses. More information is available at: http://www.lr.org.

Waller Marine, Inc. is a global leader in Floating Gas to Liquids (GTL), Floating Power Generation and Floating Liquefaction (LNG). Since 1974, the company has set the standard for high-quality naval architecture and marine services. Walter Marine provides design, construction management, regulatory assistance, project development and contractual compliance in the marine transportation and offshore industries. Drawing on its robust marine and energy experience, Waller Marine is advancing the domestic application of LNG through its vessel and barge designs to support the high-horse power and marine industries capitalize on the adoption of low cost, environmentally friendly natural gas fuel. Visit http://wallermarine.com/ for more information.

Conrad Industries Inc. specializes in the construction, conversion and repair of a wide variety of marine vessels for commercial and governmental customers and the fabrication of modular components of offshore drilling rigs and floating, production, storage and offloading vessels.

Conrad has been awarded a contract to build a 2,200 cubic meter bunker barge, first in the U.S. Conrad has leveraged its experience with LPG and refrigerated anhydrous ammonia to enter in to the LNG market. Mr. Johnny Conrad, President and C.E.O. states that Conrad is extremely pleased that the market has shown its confidence in Conrad by being able to achieve “first of its kind” status in the LNG arena.

The company currently operates five shipyards in South Louisiana and Texas with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. With over 12 Construction and Repair buildings totaling over 230,000 sq. ft. and six ABS classed dry-docks, Conrad is able to provide 24/7 service to its shallow and deepwater customers. More information available at: www.conradindustries.com.

The Shearer Group, Inc. was founded in 2010, and provides naval architecture, marine engineering, marine surveying and professional engineer services to clients in the inland and offshore marine industries. The Shearer Group, Inc. has extensive experience, including functional designs for towboats, liquid and dry cargo barges, dry docks and floating dock facilities. For more information visit: http://shearer-group.com/.